Fathers around the community share their sympathy with father of Maleah Davis

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- During an afternoon thunderstorm, in a heavy rain, dozens of people gathered to place pink roses on the fence outside of the apartment where 4-year-old Maleah Davis is said to have spent her final moments.

She disappeared after her mother's ex-fiancée Derion Vence claimed she had been taken by three strangers as he checked his tires on the north Freeway.

Vence was arrested a week later, charged with tampering with evidence, namely a corpse.

Her remains were recovered May 31 next to a highway near Fulton, Arkansas.

Sunday's gathering, timed perfectly with Father's Day, urged dads to be protective of their children.

"It's sad what happened and I hope all the fathers can learn from this experience and just be better," said Damariea Thompson.

Craig Davis, wearing a white shirt and sunglasses, appeared emotional, but remained calm as he thanked those in the crowd.

At 4-years-old, Maleah had experienced a lot of pain. She was taken away from the home by CPS, after she was hospitalized for head injuries. She was then returned to the home a few months later.

In a jailhouse interview, inmate David Chalfant said Vence told him where he left the girl's body. Chalfant said he reported it to police nearly a week before her remains were recovered in Arkansas. The bag that contained her body had already been mowed over by a high maintenance crew.